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MILWAUKEE (6/5/2008) - Lawn mower injuries are devastating and preventable according to Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
Nearly 10,000 children each year are treated in emergency departments and hospitals for injuries related to lawn mowers. Children under the age of 15 have the most mower accidents of any age group. Most of these injuries are caused by the unsafe use of power lawn mowers rather than a mechanical malfunction. Almost all of these injuries occur while a parent or relative is driving the lawn mower.
"Lawn mower injuries almost always are devastating and after result in permanent injuries that can include the loss of a limb," said Channing Tassone, MD, orthopedic surgeon, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. "By taking proper safety precautions each and every time the mower is used, these injuries can be prevented."
According to Children's Hospital and Safe Kids Wisconsin, parents should take the following precautions to prevent devastating injuries:
- Children should stay in the house and under the supervision of another adult while the lawn mower is in use.
- Talk to children about the dangers of lawn mowers. Kids need to that mowers are "revolving knives," and never to approach one while it is running.
- Never let children ride on a lawn mower, even when it is not moving. Many injuries occur when children slide off and fall under the mower blades.
- Always look carefully and stop the blades entirely before backing up.
- Do not let children younger than 16 operate a riding mower. Children younger than 12 should not operate a push mower.
- Clear any and all loose objects from the mower's path.
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